Transcript:
Rev. Richard Munsell:
Greetings Church in Colorado, I’m Richard Munsell. I’m the regional missioner for Sangre de Cristo. I’ve been ordained 44 years. I retired after serving 24 years as a chaplain in the United States Air Force. Now these past seven years, I’ve been one of the five regional missioners for the diocese. I’m excited in the way the good news is being proclaimed in the Sangre de Cristo region. We span from Monument Hill to Pueblo, from the eastern plains to the mountains of Salida. We are both urban and rural, but I like to think most of all, we are blessed to be the Jesus people, lucky enough to be living in the midst of great trout fishing.
What excites me about this beautiful region? Saint Michael the Archangel Community has become so filled with the word of God that they have acquired the Heritage Edition of the St. John’s Bible, the first handwritten Bible in 500 years. Through the graciousness of donors, this complete text will be respectfully available and on display within their facility. Grace and St. Stephens has long tradition and a commitment to beautiful worship music. They are committed to sharing this dedication from generation to generation. This summer, they are offering a choir camp for kids. Additionally, this is their centennial year with many activities focusing on their faith witness within Colorado Springs.
Smaller communities witness the gospel as well. St. Luke in Westcliffe continues to collect food for school children who don’t have enough to eat. They may be small, but they’re making a big difference. St. Andrews in Manitou is powerful in their response by focusing on the homeless and transient community of Colorado.It is exciting. The gospel is being lived across southeastern Colorado from the fertile wheat fields to the majestic mountains.
Now, many of our communities do not have full-time clergy. They still though gather in prayer, empowered by lay leadership, worshiping with the assistance of supply priest. They too celebrate the presence of Christ in Colorado. Recently I read of a young father, Charles Grimes, who arrived outside of Cripple Creek by Stagecoach in June, 1893. I’m sure it was a mining town filled with many pastoral challenges. He prayed as the driver slowly released the coach’s break. “Make me worthy, oh Lord, of this trust that has been given to me.” With that, down the hill he went, he arrived in town. Soon, he arranged to hold services in the hall over the Kentucky Liquor Company Saloon on Bennett Street.
Brothers and sisters, we have a very long history of creative ministry responding to meet the needs of God’s people where they are at. We stand on the shoulders of many witnesses who have brought the gospel to Colorado, but now we are called to share the good news, to proclaim Christ, to witness and live the presence of Christ across Colorado. My prayer, may God bless us with excellence in our witness. Good day.
